TALE OF THE TAPE

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings At Indianapolis Colts

Vikings

Colts

Quarterback

So far, so good for the Minnesota Vikings, as they came out of the gate with a victory that was nothing short of miraculous in Week One. Christian Ponder rallied his team in the final seconds to tie the game and then keyed the drive in overtime that produced the decisive field goal.

Winner
The initial chapter in the Andrew Luck story was did not produce a victory as the Colts were overmatched in Chicago. However, Luck is a remarkable player who will probably have many extraordinary moments this year because of his accuracy, arm strength and ability to read defenses.

Offense

Winner
Adrian Peterson answered many questions in his return after reconstructive knee surgery. He is the hardest hitting and most powerful running back in the NFL. Percy Harvin is the Vikings’ go-to receiver and he features speed, agility and the ability to get open.

Luck may not have a ton of great offensive talent to work with, but he has veteran Reggie Wayne, who knows how to take advantage of lax defensive play. Donald Brown is a hard-working running back who possesses average skills.

Defense

Winner
The Vikings struggled on the defensive end last year and it will take time for new defensive coordinator Allan Williams’ scheme to take hold. Defensive Jared Allen must provide consistent pressure while linebackers Erin Henderson and Chad Greenway must be active.

The Colts are no longer a read-and-react team playing the Tampa 2 defense. New head coach Chuck Pagano wants the team to attack with a hybrid 3-4 and that should leave many opening for opponents to exploit. Look for improvement in the second half of the season.

Special Teams

Winner
The Vikings may have great success on special teams this year. Harvin is a fearless return man and placekicker Blair Walsh started the season by going 4-for-4 on FG attempts, including a 55-yarder.

The Colts have one of the best placekickers in NFL history in Adam Vinatieri, but he is no longer the kind of kicker who can connect on the longer attempts. Punter Pat McAfee opened the season by averaging 51.4 yards on five kicks against the Bears.

The Winner Is

WinnerVikings

3 out of 4

The Vikings have more edges but the Colts have a potential superstar in Luck and this is his first regular-season home game. If the Colts get off to a quick start, they could be too much for the Vikings to handle. A possible win for Luck in his second NFL start.

In honor of Pitt playing the most defensive minded team in the country in Virginia, Starkey and Mueller drafted the best defensive teams of all-time across all sports with a sixth pick of the best defensive player.